Knoxville/Knox County Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service
The Longest Night
Friday, December 18, 2020
2:00pm
Live Stream on Facebook
This year marks the 30th annual Homeless Persons' Memorial Day as recognized and observed across the country. This is a time to memorialize those who died while experiencing homelessness and those who may have achieved housing but the trauma of their previous experience in homelessness shortened their lives.
During this year’s service over 50 individuals will be remembered by name.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 service will be offered virtually. To view, please visit the Facebook page of the Knoxville/Knox County Homeless Coalition, https://www.facebook.com/KnoxHomeless/.
The pandemic has emphasized the need for safe, accessible and affordable housing. In addition, the upcoming expiration of eviction moratoria and unemployment benefits is threatening a winter of exploding homelessness. While we remember those who died this year, we must be proactive in responding to the needs of our neighbors. The “vaccine” is simple, housing and housing prevention. If not, the experience of homelessness will spread with another 30 years of growing homelessness.
The 2020 Homeless Persons’ Memorial service is sponsored by the Knoxville/Knox County Homeless Coalition.
